Committee holds draft ordinance on demolition of historic structures for further revision

The Everett City Council Committee on Legislative Affairs on March 10 voted to hold a draft ordinance that would regulate demolition of historic structures in Everett so staff can complete a final version.

The ordinance was presented to the committee in a revised form that, according to the committee chair, included three whereas clauses and an added clause “that ensures compliance with the city charter as far as the effective date of the ordinance.” Assistant City Solicitor Slattery recommended adding a severability clause and a penalty provision; the chair said Slattery recommended a $300 fine per violation and indicated that recommendation is “in accordance with state law.”

Committee members did not take final action on the substance of the ordinance. Committee Chair Mister Clark asked members to grant additional time so the City Clerk and the Director of Planning and Development could provide input and so a final draft could be prepared for the next meeting. A motion to hold the ordinance in committee was made and seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Because the committee did not adopt the ordinance, no regulatory provisions or effective dates were finalized at the meeting. The chair said staff would prepare a revised “final draft” for the next meeting after incorporating the solicitor’s recommended clauses and input from the City Clerk and Planning Department.

The committee’s action means the ordinance will return for further drafting and a future committee vote before any recommendation to the full City Council.

Votes at the meeting were taken by voice; the record shows the motion to hold in committee carried with the ayes prevailing.